The La Grange Village Board unanimously approved more than $1 million for the purchase of a new fire truck Monday.
The total cost of the Pierce Enforcement Pumper will be $1,066,900 and will be in line with the Village’s scheduled replacements for fire apparatus.
“We try to get a replacement program going, so we replace the vehicles,” Fire Chief Steve Norvilas said before the vote. “Ten years front line service, then 20 years reserve, that’s our goal We’re a little behind but we’re going to get there.”
The department’s current fleet consists of three apparatus. One, Engine 1111 is a 2012 model that serves in a front line capacity and already has 46,000 miles on it. The other two are engine’s 1112 (2003 model) and 1113 (1991 model).
When the new pumper arrives, the two older vehicles will be declared surplus and be auctioned off. Engine 1111 will go into reserve status when the new truck arrives.
Although the replacement was scheduled for 2025, the lead time from purchase date to delivery means that it will not arrive until almost 2027.
As Norvilas pointed out, the lead time from purchase to delivery meant a delay, saying “unfortunately it takes about three years to get the vehicle … so if we order the vehicle today, we should see it in late 2026.”
The Village’s Emergency Replacement Fund had already budgeted for the purchase, but was $351,900 short of the purchase price. To close the gap, the Village will draw on the General Fund for the next three years.
In other Fire Department business, Lieutenant Brian Cramer was recognized for his 25 years of service to the Village. Cramer joined the department in 1998, after a short stint with the Blue Island Fire Department.
He has earned several Illinois Office of State Fire Marshall certificates and has an Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.